Parable of the Talents

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DURATION:

Approximately 10 minutes

(The three servants walk up to the Master)

Master

I want to give each of you something, according to your ability. (Handing 5 coins to servant #1) Here, take these 5 coins. (Then handing 2 coins to servant #2) Here you take these 2 coins. (Then handing 1 coin to servant #3) And you, take this one coin. I must go on a long journey, but I will return some day. (Master walks away)

Servant #1

I know what I will do with my 5 coins. I will start a business and help people all over town. I'm sure my business will do very well. (Servant #1 walks to teacher and gets 5 more coins)

Servant #2

I know what I will do with my 2 coins. I will invest them and earn much interest. (Servant #2 walks to teacher and gets 2 more coins)

Servant #3

I know what I will do. I do not want to loose my coin, so I will bury it in the backyard, so nobody will steal it. (Servant #3 hides under a table)

(The Master returns home)

Master

(Looking at servant #1) Well tell me, what have you done with the 5 coins I gave you so long ago?

Servant #1

Look, you trusted me with 5 coins and I built a nice business using them. See, here are 5 more coins, 10 in all.

Master

Well done good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Come share in my happiness. (Then look at servant #2) Well tell me, what have you done with the 2 coins I gave you so long ago?

Servant #2

Look, you trusted me with 2 coins, and I have invested them. Look here I have gained two more, 4 in all.

Master

Well done good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Come share in my happiness. (Then looking at servant #3) Well tell me, what have you done with the 1 coin I gave you so long ago?

Servant #3

I was very afraid because you are a hard man, using what others have, so I hid the money where nobody could find it, so here it is.

Master

You wicked, good for nothing, lazy servant! If you knew I expected more back than what I gave, you should have at least put the coin in the bank in order to earn interest. Everyone who uses what he has will be given even more, but anyone who does not use what is given to him, it will be taken away. So now give your coin to the servant who has 10 coins and live in darkness.

(Servant #3 gives the 1 coin to servant #1, then goes back under the table.)